Adults with intellectual disabilities’ lived experiences of wellbeing and the Internet : a descriptive phenomenological study

Hebblewhite, Gillian Helen

Abstract

Internet usage continues to increase among adults with intellectual disabilities (IDs), but many are scared to use the internet or are denied access by those who care for them. The internet offers many opportunities, such as the ability to increase social networks and independence, and gain access to health information and support, all of which could contribute to the wellbeing of those with IDs. Due to the lack of qualitative research into the everyday lived online experiences of adults with IDs living in the United Kingdom (UK), decisions around adults with IDs’ internet access and use are often based on reported stories in the media, those without IDs’ experiences, and child-related internet information. This has resulted in an overly paternal and negative approach and a lack of understanding into how best to support adults with IDs’ enjoyable, safe and independent internet use.
Taking a descriptive-empirical phenomenological approach, 8 participants with IDs aged between 19-62 from the Yorkshire and Humber region, were interviewed multiple times using semi-structured and adapted methods about their experiences of wellbeing and the internet. The qualitative data was analysed in two phases: data relating to the individual participant’s context was analysed using inductive thematic analysis (TA), informed by methods set out by Braun and Clarke (2006, 2013), whilst data relating to the concrete lived experiences of the phenomenon was analysed using descriptive-empirical phenomenological methods set out by Giorgi (2009). The essential structure of the phenomenon: internet and wellbeing, was composed of seven constituents:
• The internet as a mirror.
• The internet enables visibility and invisibility.
• The internet as liberating.
• The internet meets unmet needs.
• The internet creates a decision maker and expert.
• The internet as friend and foe.
• The body connects to, and disconnects from, the internet.
The participants’ sense of wellbeing, as well as suffering, was often integral to the internet experience and entwined with their offline context and ID related identities.

Citation

Hebblewhite, G. H. (2018). Adults with intellectual disabilities’ lived experiences of wellbeing and the Internet : a descriptive phenomenological study. (Thesis). University of Hull. Retrieved from https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/4500279

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Deposit Date: Jan 4, 2024
• Publicly Available Date: Jan 4, 2024
• Keywords: Health and social care
• Public URL: https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/4500279
• Additional Information: Department of Psychological Health, Wellbeing and Social Work; University of Hull
• Award Date: Feb 1, 2018